Waterfront Park,
North Vancouver
Sunday, June 29
10:30 am - 10 pm
A Celebration of Culture and Nature in Multicultural Canada
Tirgan is one of the most ancient Iranian festivals, rooted in history, mythology, and a deep reverence for nature. Celebrated each year in early summer, on the 13th day of the Iranian month of Tir (which usually falls in early July), the festival honors Arash the Archer and also pays tribute to rain and water—vital sources of life.
According to Iranian mythology, Arash the Archer sacrificed his life by shooting an arrow from a mountaintop to determine the borders between Iran and Turan and to bring peace to both nations. Tirgan commemorates this act of heroism and symbolizes peace, unity, and love for the homeland. Traditionally, it has been celebrated with joyful rituals such as water splashing, tying colorful "Tir o Bad" wristbands, dancing, music, and sharing traditional foods.
In Canada, where cultural diversity is a foundational value, organizing festivals like Tirgan is more than preserving a tradition—it is an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant, multicultural society. Events like this allow non-Iranians to discover and appreciate Iran’s rich history, values, and customs, while also giving Iranian immigrants a chance to stay connected to their roots and pass on their heritage to future generations.
For Iranians living in Canada—especially the younger generation raised here—Tirgan is a meaningful way to proudly embrace their dual identity. It serves not only as a bridge between the past and the present but also as a platform for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding in a society enriched by diversity.
Since 2008, we have been actively engaged in cultural activities within the Iranian-Canadian community.
The Iranian Info Centre has been serving the Iranian community since 2008. Now, with the launch of IRCA (a combination of IR and CA), we have expanded our focus on planning and managing cultural events, Iranian celebrations, and tributes to Iranian myths and legends — with the slogan: “Iran lives through its enduring culture.”
IRCA continues the association’s 16-year journey of preserving and promoting Iran’s rich cultural heritage
Experience captivating traditional Persian music and dance performances that will mesmerize you.
Savour the rich and diverse flavours of Persian cuisine, from savoury dishes to delightful sweets.
Discover the beauty of Persian art through our exhibitions showcasing paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures.
“The Persian Festivals are the fantastic events that truly captures the essence of Persian culture. The music, dance, food and atmosphere are simply amazing. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing Persian traditions!”
Tirgan Festival is an ancient Iranian celebration that honors Tishtrya, the Zoroastrian divine figure associated with rain and water, and it takes place in the month of Tir (the fourth month of the Persian calendar), typically around July 1–4 in the Gregorian calendar.
Key Features of Tirgan Festival:
Celebrates rain, water, and the harvest — a prayer and hope for rainfall and agricultural abundance.
Associated with the legend of Arash the Archer, who heroically defined Iran’s borders by shooting an arrow from a mountaintop — a symbol of sacrifice, patriotism, and unity.
Customs and Traditions:
Splashing water on one another (a joyful, symbolic ritual for rain and purification).
Dancing and singing traditional songs.
Wearing rainbow-colored wristbands (known as "tir-o rang"), which are worn for ten days and then released into a river.
Storytelling and poetry reading, especially tales of Arash the Archer and ancient Iranian myths.
Modern Celebrations:
Especially celebrated by Zoroastrians and increasingly by Iranians in the diaspora.
In places like Toronto, Canada, the Tirgan Festival has become a major cultural event showcasing Persian music, dance, food, art, and literature, attracting thousands of attendees from around the world.
Sales & Marketing
_Nia (604) 848-9211
_Omid (778) 713-7717
_Sean (236) 858-3417
General contact:
(236) 509-8525
info@persianfestival.ca